Image composition processing apparatus and method thereof

Abstract

The present invention allows the positional relationship among a plurality of image layers constituting a composed image to be precisely recognized. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an image composition processing apparatus which generates a composed image which is a superposition of a plurality of image layers and displays it within a window of the screen. When the user designates one of the image layers and moves the pointer into the displayed composed image, the image composition processing apparatus converts only a predetermined area of the image layers above the designated image layer, for example, the area which is superposed in the range of a radius of m picture elements centering the coordinate of the pointer in the composed image, to a translucent state. When the image composition processing apparatus superposes the image layers a part of which is made translucent, a composed image which indicates to the user what position do the image layers above the designated image layer take with respect to those below the designated image layer in the periphery of the pointer is obtained.

Description

1. Technical FieldThe present invention relates to an image composition processing apparatus and a method thereof which allows a positional relationship among image layers to be easily recognized in adjusting relative positions among a plurality of image data items (image layers) for composition processing.2. Prior ArtA software called photo retouch software has been used to edit a home page of the internet. The photo retouch software has a function to edit image layers and compose them into a final image.In composing the edited image layers, it is convenient to display image layers which is made translucent in superposition to allow them to be recognized because it is necessary to precisely align the image layers.For example, PUPA 7-74924 discloses a technology applicable to such use in which images are made translucent and superposed. Also, there is a photo retouch software in the market which has a function to make image layers translucent and display them in superposition.Howeve...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the method of making the entire image layers translucent for display is not necessarily suitable for the use in recognizing a part of a composed image.

Specifically, even when recognizing the manner of superposition of a very small portion of a composed image, the operation is complicated because the visible or invisible state of each individual image layer has to be changed.

Further, this method does not allow a work to be done to recognize the manner of superposition of a detail of the composed image while viewing the entire composed image.

However, it may be difficult to recognize in this method because each image layer is displayed in the GUI window in a small size.

Specifically, because each image layer is independently displayed in each window in a small size, it is impossible to employ a recognition method of viewing the result of superposition, for example, by superposing image layers below a certain layer in a normal manner while making the layers above the certain layer translucent.

In addition, because adjustment of the position and recognition of the manner of superposition of the image layers have to be done by referring to separate areas on the screen in this method, the movement of eyes is large and imposes a heavy burden to a user.

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